Gulu West (Bardege-Layibi Division) MP Ojara Martin Mapenduzi has been appointed national coordinator of the Patriotic League Uganda (PLU) for the Acholi subregion.
The appointment was confirmed by PLU’s General Secretary David Kabanda (Kasambya County) on 28th June 2024.
Mapenduzi joins the PLU with a vast amount of political experience in the Acholi subregion.
Mapenduzi joined active politics in 2006 as a councillor for Bardege Ward in Gulu Municipality then. According to Mapenduzi, his decision was influenced by the ravaging effects of the Lord’s Resistance Army war in the Acholi subregion.
As a journalist then, he felt he would help his people recover from the war best by becoming a decision maker. While in the Municipal Council, he served as the Speaker and was responsible for numerous developments in Gulu.
In 2013, he was elected Chairman of the Gulu District local council V and served until 2021.
Throughout this time, he was a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). However, following FDC president Mugisha Muntu’s exit from Najjanankumbi, Mapenduzi also cut ties with the party.
In 2021, he contested as an independent and was elected to represent Gulu West (Bardege-Layibi Division) in Parliament.
The National Unity Platform appointed him as Chairperson of the Local Government Accounts committee. However, he would soon sever his relationship with Kavule as he championed a motion to kick Mityana MP Francis Zaake off the Parliamentary Commission.
Mapenduzi in PLU
Mapenduzi’s appointment comes at a time when the activities of the PLU have taken a rear gear. At its inception in February 2024, the PLU timetable was very busy as they had events regularly.
However, this all changed when President Yoweri Museveni appointed their leader Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as Chief of Defence Forces in March. Since his appointment, the first son has taken a back seat in PLU’s activities and this has affected its vibrance.
Mapenduzi will be assisted by Akello Beatrice Akori.Other appointees for the Acholi subregion include Eng. Olal Andrew Obong, who will be the secretary, Ochen Christopher, Secretary for Publicity, Acora Nancy, Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Rubangakene Francis Shaa, Secretary for Youth Affairs, Akwero Jane Odwong, Secretary for the Elderly, and Okello Tom Richard, Secretary for PWD.
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